Influência da adição de nanopartículas na estabilidade de cor, microdureza e resistência à flexão de resina específica para confecção de próteses oculares

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

On the effects of each term of the geopotential perturbation along the time I: Quasi-circular orbits

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Bonding of facial silicon with nanoparticles to an acrylic resin substrate

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Avaliação da contagem plaquetária pelo contador automático QBC Vet Autoread comparado com estimativa em esfregaço sanguíneo e contagem em hemocitômetro

The platelet blood count in laboratorial routine provides to the clinician important information about the hemostasis of the patient. There are many techniques described, however the gold standard techniques realized in hemocytometer spent a lot of time, making this technique impracticable in great routines. This research had the intent to evaluate if the automatic veterinary blood counter QBC Vet Autoread (R), whose results get five minutes to be ready, is capable to offer a trustworthy platelet count number. To this end, were evaluated the correlations among three different forms of platelets count in dogs: count in automatic blood counter QBC Vet Autoread (R), estimative in blood smear and the gold standard method by manual count in hemocytometer. The viability and confidence use of automatic blood counters of the medicine veterinary routine. Seventeen dogs were chosen randomly way, in the medical and surgical routine of HOVET-USP. The analysis revel high correlation between the hemocytometer and the estimative in blood smear (r=0,875) and between the hemocytometer and automatic blood count by QBC Vet Autoread (R) (r=0,939). Conclude that the platelet blood cont by QBC Vet Autoread (R), in addition to be fast, it's more truthful when compared with estimative in blood smear, although the latter one also had elevated correlation. However, morphological analysis through the smears cannot be dismissed because none of the other two techniques evaluated have the ability to assess platelet morphological changes.

Acurácia das medidas de limas endodônticas em radiografias digital e convencional: estudo in vitro em dentes decíduos

The objective of this study is to evaluate the measurement accuracy of endodontic files obtained by digital and conventional radiographies in primary teeth. Kerr and Hedströen files (# 20), with the reference as the apparent length of tooth, were inserted in the root canal of 18 extracted primary teeth, which were x-rayed by digital and conventional techniques. Measurements from a reference point to the apical end were carried out by an experienced operator twice in a week. An electronic ruler was used for the digital method and a caliper was used for the conventional method. The data were subjected to Pearson correlation test and Student´s t test (p = 0.05). The correlation between the first and the second measurements was r = 0.99, regardless the type of file and method. Comparing the measurements within the methods, the agreement was r = 0.96 for Kerr and r = 0.95 for Hedströen files. The values of length files in the digital radiographies were statistically lower than that obtained in the conventional radiographies (p = 0.02). However, the values obtained by the two methods were statistically similar to real length of teeth for Kerr files (p = 0.29) and for Hedströen files (p = 0.18). The digital radiography was a more trustful method to obtain the lengths of endodontic files.

Rapid and sensitive ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography method for quantification of antichagasic benznidazole in plasma: application in a preclinical pharmacokinetic study

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

A self-learning simulated annealing algorithm for global optimizations of electromagnetic devices

A self-learning simulated annealing algorithm is developed by combining the characteristics of simulated annealing and domain elimination methods. The algorithm is validated by using a standard mathematical function and by optimizing the end region of a practical power transformer. The numerical results show that the CPU time required by the proposed method is about one third of that using conventional simulated annealing algorithm.

Development of the SORRI-BAURU posterior walker

This study aimed to report on the design and development of a low cost Reverse Walker through a participative development cycle with people undergoing rehabilitation. The creation and fundamentals of the concept are described, as well as the development of prototypes and their provision to subjects with mobility problems. The Reverse Walker benefits the user by promoting a more upright posture and favoring the development of postural balance. Enhancing the mobility of people with disabilities may benefit their independence, social participation and quality of life.

Chromatic stability of acrylic resins of artificial eyes submitted to the accelerated aging and polishing

Esthetics and durability of materials used to fabricate artificial eyes has been an important issue since artificial eyes are essential to restore esthetics and function, protect the remaining tissues and help with patients' psychological therapy. However, these materials are submitted to degrading effects of environmental agents on the physical properties of the acrylic resin. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the color stability of acrylic resins used to fabricate sclera in three basic shades (N1, N2 and N3) when subjected to accelerated aging, mechanical and chemical polishing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens of each resin were fabricated and submitted to mechanical and chemical polishing. Chromatic analysis was performed before and after accelerated aging through ultraviolet reflection spectrophotometry. RESULTS: All specimens revealed color alteration following polishing and accelerated aging. The resins presented statistically significant chromatic alteration (p<0.01) between the periods of 252 and 1008 h. CONCLUSIONS: Both polishing methods presented no significant difference between the values of color derivatives of resins.

Effect of weathering and thickness on the opacity of acrylic resin and ocular button for artificial eyes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the opacity of the polymethylmethacrylate for ocular prosthesis using an ocular button, a colorless resin for the ocular prostheses, and 4 brands of acrylic colorless resin in the function of weathering (0, 504, or 1008 h) and thickness (1 and 3.5 mm). One hundred twenty specimens were confectioned (made) and allocated into 12 groups (n = 10). Opacity analysis was carried out with a spectrophotometer of visible ultraviolet reflection before and after weathering by 504 and 1008 hours. Data for the opacity were expressed in ΔE. Data were then analyzed statistically by analysis of variance and the Tukey test (P < 0.01). The data demonstrated statistically significant differences; manufactured ocular button (ΔE = 47.4) and the resin Vipi Cril (ΔE = 38.11) presented greater and minor values of opacity, respectively. The weathering showed statistical difference among times (0 h, ΔE = 36.32; 504 h, ΔE = 39.98; and 1008 h, ΔE = 43.9). Ocular button and evaluated resins presented greater values of opacity when presented in 3.5 mm in thickness. The values of opacity increased with the progression of the time of weathering, independent of the evaluated material and the thickness.

Cryptococcus: isolamento ambiental e caracterização bioquímica

Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus yeasts, especially C. neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. The fungus is found in substrates of animal and vegetable origin, and infection occurs through inhalation and seedlings present in the environment. The present study aimed to investigate the existence of microfocus Cryptococcus sp. from the environmental samples of Araçatuba city, São Paulo, featuring new niches, by decoupling the direct relationship between fungus and host in order to minimize the risk of contamination of man and animals, understanding the ecoepidemiology of Cryptococcus. Fifty samples from hollows and tree trunks were harvested (Cassia sp., Ficus sp., Caesalpinea peltophorides) from ten representatives in the urban perimeter. The samples were immediately sent to the Laboratory of Bacteriology and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Araçatuba - Unesp where they were processed and plated on Petri dishes containing agar seed Niger and Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol, incubated at 30ºC for a period of no less than 5 days. Afterwards they were subimitted to biochemical tests: urease production, thermotolerance at 37°C and quimiotipagem in CGB agar (L- Canavanine-Glycine-Bromothymol blue). The results showed that 17 (34%) cultures were positive for Cryptococcus, 9 (18%) for Cryptococcus gattii and 8 (16%) for Cryptococcus neoformans. Other yeast correlated as Rhodotorula sp. and Candida sp. were isolated. We conclude that the infectious propagules of Cryptococcus are dispersed in nature and constitute an environmental microfocus, not necessarily being bound to a single host.

Undergraduate Scholarship in the College of Arts and Sciences 2006 Book of Abstracts

The College of Arts and Sciences proudly presents our fourth issue of Undergraduate Scholarship in the College of Arts and Sciences: Book of Abstracts, which highlights the work conducted by students in collaboration with faculty mentors. This collection of abstracts represents many hours of scholarly activity in which students further developed their research, critical thinking, and writing skills and engaged in learning well beyond the classroom.

Refuge Update – July/August 2004, Volume 1, Number 4

Table of Contents: Historic Voyage through Hawaiian Islands, page 8 Focus on Fire Management, page 10-17 A Circle of Trees, page 19 First Friends in Montana, page 22

State of the Arctic October 2006

This State of the Arctic Report presents a review of recent data by an international group of scientists who developed a consensus on the information content and reliability. The report highlights data primarily from 2000 to 2005 with a first look at winter 2006, providing an update to some of the records of physical processes discussed in the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA, 2004, 2005). Of particular note: • Atmospheric climate patterns are shifting (Fig. 1). The late winter/spring pattern for 2000–2005 had new hot spots in northeast Canada and the East Siberian Sea relative to 1980–1999. Late winter 2006, however, shows a return to earlier climate patterns, with warm temperatures in the extended region near Svalbard. • Ocean salinity and temperature profiles at the North Pole and in the Beaufort Sea, which changed abruptly in the 1990s, show that conditions since 2000 have relaxed toward the pre-1990 climatology, although 2001–2004 has seen an increase in northward ocean heat transport through Bering Strait (Fig. 2), which is thought to impact sea ice loss. • Sea ice extent continues to decrease. The sea ice extent in September 2005 was the minimum observed in summer during the satellite era (beginning in 1979), marking an unprecedented series of extreme ice extent minima beginning in 2002 (Fig. 3). The sea ice extent in March 2006 was also the minimum observed in winter during the satellite era. • Tundra vegetation greenness increased, primarily due to an increase in the abundance of shrubs. Boreal forest vegetation greenness decreased, possibly due to drought conditions (Fig. 4). • There is increasing interest in the stability of the Greenland ice sheet. The velocity of outlet glaciers increased in 2005 relative to 2000 and 1995, but uncertainty remains with regard to the total mass balance. • Permafrost temperatures continue to increase. However, data on changes in the active layer thickness (the relatively thin layer of ground between the surface and permafrost that undergoes seasonal freezing and thawing) are less conclusive. While some of the sites show a barely noticeable increasing trend in the thickness of the active layer, most of them do not. • Globally, 2005 was the warmest year in the instrumental record (beginning in 1880), with the Arctic providing a large contribution toward this increase. Many of the trends documented in the ACIA are continuing, but some are not. Taken collectively, the observations presented in this report indicate that during 2000–2005 the Arctic system showed signs of continued warming. However, there are a few indications that certain elements may be recovering and returning to recent climatological norms (for example, the central Arctic Ocean and some wind patterns). These mixed tendencies further illustrate the sensitivity and complexity of the Arctic physical system. They underline the importance of maintaining and expanding efforts to observe and better understand this important component of the climate system to provide accurate predictions of its future state.

NUMERICAL AND ANALYTICAL VERIFICATION OF A MULTISCALE COMPUTATIONAL MODEL FOR IMPACT PROBLEMS IN HETEROGENEOUS VISCOELASTIC MATERIALS WITH EVOLVING DAMAGE

Composites are engineered materials that take advantage of the particular properties of each of its two or more constituents. They are designed to be stronger, lighter and to last longer which can lead to the creation of safer protection gear, more fuel efficient transportation methods and more affordable materials, among other examples. This thesis proposes a numerical and analytical verification of an in-house developed multiscale model for predicting the mechanical behavior of composite materials with various configurations subjected to impact loading. This verification is done by comparing the results obtained with analytical and numerical solutions with the results found when using the model. The model takes into account the heterogeneity of the materials that can only be noticed at smaller length scales, based on the fundamental structural properties of each of the composite’s constituents. This model can potentially reduce or eliminate the need of costly and time consuming experiments that are necessary for material characterization since it relies strictly upon the fundamental structural properties of each of the composite’s constituents. The results from simulations using the multiscale model were compared against results from direct simulations using over-killed meshes, which considered all heterogeneities explicitly in the global scale, indicating that the model is an accurate and fast tool to model composites under impact loads. Advisor: David H. Allen